Amid the raging debate on cow protection and growing incidents of attacks by self-made rightwing vigilantes, over 200 cows scummed to death due to starvation and lack of medicines in a Gushala maintained by a BJP leader.

Amid the raging debate on cow protection and growing incidents of attacks by self-made rightwing vigilantes, over 200 cows scummed to death due to starvation and lack of medicines in a Gushala maintained by a BJP leader.

At least 200 cows allegedly died of starvation at a Gushala in Rajpur Village of Chhattisgarh's Durg district, a report said on Friday. The cattle shelter is reportedly maintained by a Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

The villager Sevaram Sahu, who confirmed the news to ANI, told Hindustan Times that over 200 cows died due to starvation and lack of medicines at the shelter within three days. The authorities have, however, confirmed only 27 starvation-related deaths, reports said.

The BJP leader, Harish Verma, who is also the vice president of Jamul Nagar Nigam, has been running the shelter for the last seven years.

“We noticed JCB machines operating near the cow shelter two days ago and informed media persons. When we reached here, we found that many trenches were being dug to bury the dead cows lying around,” said Seva Ram Sahu, the Rajpur Sarpanch’s husband.

The villagers are alleging that most of dead cows have already been buried near the shelter. Several carcasses, other than those buried, were found in the vicinity, they told media.

According to doctors present at the spot, cows died due to “starvation and lack of medicines”.

However, the BJP leader, Harish Verma attributed the deaths to a wall collapse two days ago.

“At this stage, the reason behind the cow deaths seems to be lack of fodder. The post mortem of 27 cows has been done in last two days," said MK Chawala , deputy director , veterinary department of Durg district.

“The cows buried near the shelter are yet to be exhumed,” he said.

Another 50 cows, said to be critical, are being treated. “The number of deaths may rise ,” the doctor added.

A local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) , Rajesh Ratre, said the exact death figures are yet to ascertained and investigation was on.